October 15, 2022

Pastor Gathering 2022

AMBS Doctor of Ministry Grant

Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) is launching the first Doctor of Ministry program in the USA that is deliberately rooted in Anabaptist theology. We are delighted to promote this by offering a $2000 grant per year, for three years, for IMMC pastors who engage this experience-based program.

From the Missional Leadership Team

I love stories. Our patterns of life are shaped by our stories. As faith communities, we arrange our memories, experiences, and central values into corresponding stories that define our corporate identity and purpose. Our shared stories form a narrative that is arguably the most significant influence on our future together.

So, what is the story that we tell through the generosity of our participation, abilities, and money shared for ministry through IMMC? Here are a few snapshots:

Participation and Abilities
The number of our congregations is not impressive. However, I am constantly blown away by the people who are joining in. The Diversity Isn’t Enough webinar with Ben Tapper was last week. It was good and the best part was the depth of people’s participation, even with the challenges of virtual space. I am learning that generous participation is typical among us.

God’s generosity is clearly visible in the gifts and abilities of the people of IMMC. Many of these gifts are shared on leadership teams, in our gatherings, and in personal interactions. The All-Teams Retreat took place a few weeks back. This is an annual event for everyone serving on a conference team. What an amazing group of people! The skills and abilities embodied by these folks is inspiring.

Money
Generous financial gifts and wise decisions in the past few years has created a sense of freedom and blessing for our conference community. Let me explain. We do something quite unique we call capital grants. Thanks to years of contributions, IMMC congregations can receive a grant to help them maintain or improve their facilities. Three congregations have received grant assistance in just the last 18 months. Benton Mennonite Church put a grant to work in a building addition providing for barrier-free access. Belmont Mennonite and Prairie Street Mennonite Churches each used a grant to help them with solar panel projects. Contact the conference office if you would like to hear more about capital grants, or if you would like to help financially.

Financial generosity has also made it possible to provide grants for pastoral education. We are very excited to offer financial help to our pastors who are a part of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s new Doctor of Ministry program with the first cohort beginning in January 2023. Let us know if you are a pastor interested in the program or you would like to offer financial support.

These are just a few glimpses of generosity seen around the conference.

What stories of generosity among us do you have to tell?

~ Steve Slagel, IMMC Moderator Elect

Celebrating

• The interest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work in our conference, and the engaging conversation with Ben Tapper, who led our webinar on October 8 entitled Diversity isn’t Enough.
• Sharon Norton’s ordination at Walnut Hill Mennonite Church, with Sharon Yoder officiating. Sharon Norton is founder and leader of Outdoor Sanctuary, Wild Church of Goshen, which is a mission of the Walnut Hill congregation.
• New appointment on IMMC leadership team: Kelly Carson, Mennonite Fellowship of Bloomington, recently began serving on Ministry Credentialing Team.

Connecting

• Leadership teams of IN-MI conference gathered with energy at College Mennonite Church on Friday evening and Saturday morning in mid-September. Goals were to build community, to define leadership vision and mission, and to build capacity for intercultural competence. 
• Joanne preached at First Mennonite Indianapolis on September 25 and met with the Journey board on September 29. Joanne continues to meet with each area pastor cluster as well as with the Intercultural Working Group.
• Sharon Yoder joined the quarterly regional gathering of Mennonite chaplains on September 13, hosted via zoom by Mennonite Health services on September 13.

Credentialing and Leadership Development

• LET is continuing to plan for the Pastors Gathering, taking place at Camp Amigo November 8-10.
• LET hosted a training session for congregational coaches on October 12, with Sharon Yoder sharing about the role of search guides in pastoral search processes.
• Healthy Boundaries 101 will be offered jointly by IN-MI conference and MC USA on November 7 at Amigo Centre and via zoom. This hybrid event will be led by Nancy Kauffmann and Michael Danner. Healthy Boundaries trainings are required every 3 years for leaders with active credentials in MC USA. Check additional training dates for HB 101 and 201 and register here: Healthy Boundaries Training | Mennonite Church USA (mennoniteusa.org).

Financial Report

From Amigo Centre

• All are invited to the Friends of Amigo Benefit Dinner at 6pm on November 3rd at Waterford Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind.. Come to hear an update about what God is doing at Amigo Centre and what we’re working on as we head into 2023.  There will also be an opportunity to give generously to support Amigo’s mission, programs and facilities.  Let us know you’re coming by filling out the form here https://forms.gle/CTXjYtZQkFXKdmEJ7 or by calling 269-651-2811.  Please RSVP by October 31….seats are limited
• Final 2022 Amigo Scrapbooking, Crafting and Sewing Retreat is December 1-5. Online registration is open. See the web for additional details. https://www.amigocentre.org/scrap-craft–quilt-retreat.html
• Save the date: Winter Youth Retreats
  • Senior High weekend – January 13-15, 2023
  • Jr High Weekend – February 17-19, 2023
  • More details to come soon!
• Thank you for a great season at Amigo Park. The final weekend is October 21-23 for this year. Call for last minute reservations (there are a a few available). 269-651-2734.

Five Things Friday Roundup

Conference Co-Minister Joanne Gallardo writes monthly for the Anabaptist World. Check out this month’s Five Things Friday Roundup: Let’s Pay Attention to Consent.

Support Needed in Wake of Hurricane Ian

Beloved brothers and sisters, we greet you in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ and beloved Savior. Wishing that everyone is well and highly blessed by our Eternal Father.

Through this letter we address each conference, ministers, bishops, and pastors along with your congregations to request financial support for the families of our congregation who were affected by Hurricane Ian that lost all their belongings due to the water that entered the homes and others had the roof of their houses damaged. At the present time they’re 6 families in total and without a double possibly more.

We as for your prayers along with your financial support to help us in restoring the homes of these families. Each help will be a great blessing.

For more information please feel free to contact Danice Melendez at: 239-940-2046; if she doesn’t answer please feel free to leave her a message and she will return your call as soon as possible. You can also contact her via email at daniceluv@janesbGod bless everyone and thank you in advance for all your prayers and support.

~ Senior Pastor Marcial Domingo

Mennonite Arts Weekend

“Between: Embracing Vulnerability” is the theme for the sixteenth Mennonite Arts Weekend, February 3-5, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. This weekend celebrates the creativity and discipline of Anabaptist Mennonite artists. Presentations and workshops by musicians, visual artists, writers, and craftspeople start on Friday evening and conclude with Sunday morning worship. Activities and workshops designed specifically for Pre-K children through high school are planned throughout the weekend. A nursery will be available.

Now is the time to take advantage of the early-bird registration offer and sign-up for limited spaces in workshops. Find the list of presenters and registration, location, and lodging information at https://mennoniteartsweekend.org/2023maw/. Come enjoy the fun, connect with friends, and hear Girl Named Tom. 

Employment Opportunities

• The Center for Community Justice is looking for dedicated and empathic individuals who are passionate about helping people on their paths toward healing! Preferred candidates for the Restorative Mediation and Facilitation Practitioner role will be grounded in restorative justice values, have good communication skills, and be able to work collaboratively with a team. See their website for more information and apply by sending a cover letter and resume to recruitment@centerforcommunityjustice.org. Persons with lived experience with the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply.  Bilingual (Spanish/English) persons are especially needed.
• Mennonite Mission Network has several employment opportunities listed on their employment page.
• Mennonite Education Agency lists openings throughout Mennonite-affiliated schools on their employment page.
• Explore pastoral opportunities in Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference and beyond on MC USA’s  Pastoral Openings list.

If you would like to list an opportunity here, please contact the Conference Office.